Liverpool restaurant chain secures two city centre sites.

Expanding Liverpool-based restaurant chain Bistro Qui? Limited has secured two new city centre units on Bold Street and Hope Street.

The company already has five eateries across central Liverpool but will launch two new concepts this spring.

A ‘world tapas’, real ale and cocktail bar and restaurant called The Refinery will occupy a 4,476 sq ft ground floor unit within a student accommodation development on the corner of Hope Street and Myrtle Street.

The eatery is expected to launch in March at the newly built site, which is managed by Victoria Hall.

The firm will also occupy a three-floor 3,131 sq ft former fashion store at 55 Bold Street, let by agent Tano Properties, with its Peruvian street kitchen-style restaurant and bar named Chicha.

The second restaurant is due to open in April, and work is now underway to fit out both eateries.

Agent Hitchcock Wright & Partners acted on behalf of Bistro Qui? to agree 20-year leases on each of the two units.

Matt Kerrigan, partner at Hitchcock Wright & Partners, says: “Bistro Qui? is a great company which has carved out its reputation in Liverpool’s thriving food and drink scene. The two new sites are in fantastic locations and will be integral to the company’s future expansion plans and success.”

Bistro Qui? already has three French-themed bistros on Liverpool’s Hardman Street, Button Street and Hanover Street, as well as The Hub Alehouse & Kitchen on Hanover Street and Button Street Smokehouse in the Cavern Quarter.

Having established its first restaurant, Bistro Pierre, 12 years ago the company has also branched out beyond the region with a restaurant in Shrewsbury and is now said to be continuing to search for further sites in Liverpool, Chester, Manchester and Leeds.

Director Mark Friend, who launched Bistro Qui? alongside Stephen Slater, says: “We are proud of our portfolio of restaurants and want to continue to innovate and bring our eateries to the public.

“It has long been our plan to grow and expand, so we’re excited to announce the two new restaurants in Liverpool city centre which are an exciting start to 2016.”